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Functional Resume

For this position, use a functional format that focuses more on your skills and training, categorizing your skills in separate categories such as technical skills (e.g., “hand drafting,” “sketching” or “Autodesk AutoCAD”) and soft skills (e.g., “problem-solving,” “creativity” or “time management”).

Keep the summary section short and to the point, using keywords and phrases from the job description and blending them with your notable work accomplishments to get noticed by the recruiter. For example, if the job mentions skills such as “goal oriented” or “multitasking,” your summary could read: “Self-motivated junior architect highly effective in reading and designing blueprints. Has advanced knowledge of building codes.”

Mention your proficiency in technical areas related to building engineering and construction processes, as well as any hands-on experience with MS Office tools, AutoCAD, BIM, Google Sketchup and Revit, quality analysis, developing blueprints, freehand sketching and manufacturing costs. Be sure to also list important intangible skills such as time management, multitasking, ability to meet deadlines and communication skills.

To move up in the architect field, work on adding these qualifications to your resume:

• Relevant experiences you’ve had in site inspection, building construction plans, and coordinating with project workers.
• Specialized certifications in related fields such as landscape architecture that show you’ve honed your skills.
• Examples of successfully working with teams across business lines to understand client requirements.
• Continue to participate in roles involving a higher level of responsibility and leadership.

Combination Resume

A combination (or hybrid) format offers a good mix of skills, work history and accomplishments that you have gained in previous jobs. Focus on skills such as critical thinking, a creative approach, project management, knowledge of AutoCAD and excellent artistic skills, combining them with relevant work experience.

Stick to a short paragraph that mentions your industry-specific skills and experiences that best fit the architect job you want. For example, if the job description emphasizes designing and documenting commercial and industrial building projects, you could write: “Creative architect accomplished in designing industrial and commercial structures to meet LEED standards.”

Draw recruiters’ attention to your technical expertise by including skills such as drawing, drafting, sketching, fulfilling client requirements, and good knowledge of local and state compliance. Add intangible abilities such as interpersonal skills, analytical skills and a problem-solving approach.

In addition to any academic background in architecture as well as strong knowledge of construction management systems, look to feature the following in your resume:

• Advanced degree in architecture, design, or any other related field.
• Additional certificates or training in areas that prove your expertise and credibility, such as  Certified Professional Building Designer (CPBD) certification.
• Demonstrate examples of when you used your leadership qualities for managing contractors for successful project completion.
• On-site experiences with overseeing construction.

Chronological Resume

For this high-level job, use the chronological format to demonstrate your career growth and progression to employers. Focus on notable accomplishments using this resume’s extensive work history section, letting the recruiter see how you’ve excelled over an extended period of time.

In a few concise sentences, outline the best work accomplishments and skills you’ve developed during your career that match a senior architect role. Promote skills that align with project management and combine them with notable achievements. For example: “Focused senior architect with 15+ years of extensive experience in developing 2D and 3D models for 10 award-winning commercial and residential projects.”

Focus on technical skills such as AutoCAD, Google Sketchup and Revit, familiarity with building codes, knowledge of computer modeling, and the ability to produce 2D and 3D designs. Don’t forget to mention intangible skills such as attention to detail, time management, decision-making skills, and collaborative abilities.

Focus on gaining more successful experience in project management, building your resume around these aspects:

• Advanced degree in architecture, relevant certifications, and state licensure.
• Work examples that demonstrate knowledge of environmental impacts and aesthetic standards.
• Examples of project management tasks, such as reviewing and organizing building plans.
• Achievements of projects where you’ve displayed supervisory and leadership qualities.